Chicago Blackhawks: Scouting the Carolina Hurricanes

After splitting their series with the Columbus Blue Jackets, the Chicago Blackhawks will host the Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday, February 2nd.

The Hurricanes might be the hottest team in the NHL currently, as they continue to ride a four-game win streak which includes both of last season’s Stanley Cup contenders in the Tampa Bay Lightning and Dallas Stars. Not only did the Hurricanes beat both teams, but they swept the Stars and shutout the 2020 Stanley Cup champion Lightning.

One of the highlights of the season so far for the Hurricanes continues to be their special teams. The Hurricanes rank 11th on the powerplay and 2nd on the penalty kill at 26.9% and 91.3%, respectively.

Carolina is getting contributions up and down the lineup with all four lines. They are also seeing continued development from rookies Andrei Svechnikov and Martin Necas. Svechnikov is tied with Vincent Trocheck to lead the team in points.

The Chicago Blackhawks will have a tough two games against the Carolina Hurricanes before heading out on the road to face Dallas.

Currently, the second overall pick is scoring at a point-per-game pace with four goals and two assists. Carolina also continues to get contributions from one of the most solidified bluelines in the NHL. Currently, Dougie Hamilton paces all defensemen with four points in six games.

Perhaps, one of the only dark spots for Carolina is the recent news regarding their number one goalie Peter Mrazek. What was a great start to the season came to an end for Mrazek on Saturday when he left the game against the Stars early in the first. The Hurricanes number one has yet to return to the ice. Today head coach Rod Brind’Amour addressed the injury concerns:

Despite Mrazek being out, the Hurricanes have still gotten solid goaltending from James Reimer. The team has also played well in front of him. With that said, it is going to be a difficult test for the Chicago Blackhawks tomorrow and Thursday.

Chicago will need to carry the momentum from Sunday’s victory into this new divisional clash. Given how few goals Carolina has allowed in recent stretches, the Blackhawks will need their powerplay to continue its great start as well.